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No home audio studio is complete without a powerful DAW that is equipped with all the features you need to produce music at a professional level. Music industry professionals often face the Reaper VS Ableton choice as these are some of the best DAW software products ever created. Still, it is hard to determine which one is a better option.
Whether you are a guitar player or an electronic music producer you’ll need a music production software that lets you record and process all songs you’re working on. So, in this article, we are going to take a closer look at Reaper and Ableton in order to help you decide, which DOW is the best choice for you.
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Main Differences Between Reaper vs Ableton
The main differences between Reaper vs Ableton are:
- Reaper features a powerful ReaScript scripting engine that allows you to code any improvement you want in Python, EEL, or Lua, whereas Ableton doesn’t have a scripting engine.
- Reaper doesn’t have built-in instruments, whereas Ableton does come with some.
- Reaper is small enough that you can run it from a USB stick, whereas Abelton can occupy more than 70 GB of hard disc space.
- Reaper is famously stable even while handling a demanding project, whereas Ableton can crush if you try to do too many things at the same time
- Reaper sound collection is significantly smaller, whereas Ableton offers a large sound collection.
- Reaper enables you to edit audio while the recording session is still in progress, whereas in Ableton you can only edit your material after you’re done recording it.
- Reaper struggles with MIDI latency, whereas Ableton doesn’t have such issues.
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Comparing Ableton’s vs Reaper’s features
Both of these DAWs have been on the market for a long while and for countless musicians they are a go-to environment in which they can perform live or create compositions with virtual instruments.
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Furthermore, Ableton and Reaper let you build music tracks effortlessly and they give you complete creative freedom over your projects. Let’s take a closer look at their features:
Installation and interface
Reaper’s system requirements for both Mac and PC are minimal as you won’t need a lot of processing power or an advanced sound card to start making music with this DOW. In addition, the software takes just 66MB of hard disc space, which means that you can install it on any computer or run it from a portable drive.
Reaper’s interface may seem underwhelming as the design of the menus, audio tracks and equalizers are outdated. However, this can be easily fixed, since the software comes with a huge selection of preset skins and layouts.
What’s more, you can download additional themes that make the software’s interface more up to date from the manufacturer’s website for free.
You’ll need at least 3GB of free disc space for the basic installation on your PC or Mac and between 6GB and 76GB more if you want to install all sounds Ableton offers. This DOW requires an Intel Core i5 or AMD multi-core processor, as well as a minimum of 4GB RAM, although 8GB RAM is recommended.
Ableton’s interface is intuitive and modernly designed, so you won’t need too much time to get used to it. You just need to push the Tab key to switch between Session and Arrangement views while all navigational tools can be accessed quickly.
Tabs located at the bottom of the window change depending on the type of clip you selected, which enables you to have quick access to the tools you need to edit the sound clips you’re working with.
Despite having lower technical requirements than Ableton, Reaper’s outdated interface makes this DAW a less attractive option for professional musicians.
Audio recording and editing features
Creating a recording of a real or virtual instrument with Reaper doesn’t require too much effort, as you just have to click on the red button to prepare the software for a recording session and then click on the Master Record button when ready to start the session.
You should keep in mind that Reaper doesn’t come with built-in virtual instruments or loops, but there are plenty of plug-ins for this DOW you can install for free. VST3, JS, or Direct X are among the plug-in formats Reaper supports.
The software lets you use a variety of monitoring effects so that you can keep track of the input audio. Reaper can record several audio channels of live instruments at the same time, which enables you to record an entire band provided that you have the necessary equipment.
After you’re done recording, you can do virtually anything with your material because Reaper offers a versatile set of audio editing tools. Quantization of the MIDI data is not possible unless you load the piano roll.
Melodies, sample beats, or harmonies you record in Ableton can be easily turned to MIDI. What’s more, you can alter pre-existing samples and recordings freely and use them to create something authentic. Ableton is also famous for its sample warping capabilities which enables you to alter a song’s rhythmic flow or rearrange the notes.
Unlike other professional-grade DAWs that only let you apply automation to audio tracks, Ableton allows you to add automation directly to clips. In addition, it takes a single click to gain access to the automation data and you can also use the keypad to insert new values.
Rearranging the clips, nesting several levels of track groups, or using keyboard shortcuts are just a few among countless editing features Ableton offers. Furthermore, you can use the Ableton Push hardware controller to adjust waveforms or perform any other complex audio editing task.
Although composing several takes was not something you could do in Ableton until recently, the latest version of this DAW allows its users to create looped regions in the Arrangement timeline.
Ableton’s comping feature lets you record MIDI or audio takes and it creates a new horizontal lane every time the recording reaches the end of the loop. After you complete a recording session you can remove the parts you don’t like and move the rest of the recording to Main Lane.
This feature makes it much easier to take multiple takes you can use to figure out an intro for a song or get the track’s beat right.
In terms of audio recording and editing both DAWs have a lot to offer, and which one is a better choice for you depends on the genre of music you want to produce.
Check out how Reaper compares to:
Mastering and mixing songs
With the collection of 3,000 instrument sounds, 390 drum kits, 4,000 royalty-free loops, or MPE compatibility Ableton is easily one of the best DAWs for mastering on the market. Moreover, you can add or edit the pitch from the Expression View or use the refined clip editing to edit multiple-clip loops simultaneously.
The latest version of this DAW has an expanded core library that contains new MIDI clips, instrument racks, grooves, drum kits, and loops. However, you should keep in mind that the amount of available sounds and effects depends on the package you have.
A pedal effect for classic guitar distortion, the Wavetable dual-oscillator, and dual-filter synthesizer that is equipped with a modulation matrix or echo tape-delay box are among the features you can use while creating your music in Ableton.
Furthermore, the DAW grants you access to an impressive amount of acoustic material and a rich orchestral library, which enables you to experiment with different genres of music.
The Grand Piano and Electric Keyboard features are equipped with a variety of MIDI licks, progressions, and phrases, while the Drum Booth option comes with an entire library of drum presets.
In case you need more than Ableton’s built-in mastering features and virtual devices such as Hybrid Reverb or PithLoop89 have to offer, you can find lots of plug-ins. Moreover, the Cycling 74 modular Max that features a variety of different virtual instruments and audio effects is directly integrated into the software.
Ableton’s mixer is not impressive, but it is still powerful enough to create a perfectly smooth mix. The Channel EQ, gate and compressor displays feature graphs which makes it easier to spot mistakes.
On the other hand, Reaper’s mixer contains all standard options so that you can quickly mute or pan an audio track. This DAW also lets you group tracks and track parameters within a signal chain or generate multifaceted routing schemes.
Automation for all tracks, instruments, and effect parameters is available and you can freeze or bounce tracks during the mastering process. Reaper is equipped with Rea VST effects that extend the scope of its capabilities.
ReaTune effect can be used to fix the vocal pitch, while ReaVerb lets you create a realistic convolution reverb. Despite having a lot to offer Reaper is still not a better option than Ableton if you are looking for a DAW you can use for mixing and mastering purposes.
The price difference between Reaper vs Ableton
Both Ableton and Reaper offer free trials since you can use Ableton for 90 days free of charge or Reaper for 60 days without having to spend a cent. The only difference is that you have to purchase one of the Ableton’s packages after the free trial expires, while you can continue using Reaper for free even after the free trial period is over.
In case you decide to purchase the license to use Reaper you will be able to choose between a Discounted license that costs $60 and a Commercial license that costs $225.
Although both of these licenses enable you to install Reaper on multiple computers, using the software from several computers simultaneously is not possible.
There are three different editions of Ableton to choose from. The Intro version is the least expensive and it can be purchased for $89, while the Standard and Suite versions cost $390, and $670.
Purchasing the Reaper’s Discounted license will get you a wider set of audio recording and editing tools than the Ableton’s Intro version that offers only a fraction of the DAW’s full potential.
Comparing the Ableton’s and Reaper’s audio recording capabilities
DAW’s audio recording options are not equally important to all types of musicians. Electronic music producers don’t often have to record multiple instruments simultaneously, while the opposite is true for the bands that work with live instruments.
That’s why the choice between Ableton and Reaper comes down to the type of music you want to produce. In case you are looking for a DAW that lets you record several guitars at the same time, then Reaper is a more reliable option.
Its multichannel recording options on separate audio tracks enable a five-member band to work together, while the software’s comping capabilities make combining several different takes easy.
Although Ableton supports comping and allows musicians to record multiple instruments simultaneously, this DAW is still geared towards contemporary music producers who work with fewer live instruments.
Pros and Cons
Ableton Pros
- Offers an unlimited number of audio tracks
- Modernly designed and customizable interface
- Rich sound and effects collection
- Integration with Cycling 74 modular Max extends the DAW’s selection of virtual instruments
- Ableton offers 17 MIDI effects
- Offers complex warp modes
- Automations can be applied directly to clips
- Compatible with Ableton Push hardware
Ableton Cons
- Poor selection of themes
- Occupies a lot of hard disc space
- Pricey
- Prone to lagging
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Reaper Pros
- Excellent multichannel audio recording capabilities
- Compatible with a broad range of plug-ins
- Low technical requirements
- Customizable to the user’s demands
- Free to use even after the free trial period expires
- Remarkably stable and fast
- Features a collection of Rea VST audio effects
- A well-rounded mixer
Reaper Cons
- The interface looks outdated
- No built-in loops or virtual instruments
- You cannot quantize MIDI data before you open the Piano Roll
- No EQ, compressor or gate graphs
The best alternatives to Reaper and Ableton
Ableton and Reaper are far from being the only DAWs you can use to record, mix, or edit your music. Here are some of the best alternatives you can find on the market
LogicPro
Logic Pro X: Audio and Music Production leads you through the music creation and production process, giving you all the tips and tricks used by the pros to create release-quality recordings.
Multi-touch mixing, a large selection of virtual instruments, or the state of the art Step Sequencer are just a few among countless features Logic Pro has to offer. DAW also lets you use a broad range of DJ effects that fit perfectly into your mixes.
The Drum Machine Designer enables you to build electronic drum kits with ease, while the Drum Synth plug-in lets you customize different types of drum models. LogicPro is only compatible with macOS, but the software can be paired with iPhones and iPads if you want to play different virtual instruments.
Furthermore, the Alchemy sample-manipulation synthesizer features a library that contains more than 3000 sounds. LogicPro is probably one of the most powerful DAWs you can get although it is aimed only at Mac users.
Check out our full Logic Pro vs Ableton comparison.
Cubase
Uniting technical innovation with artistic inspiration, Cubase Pro is an instantly accessible music production tool.
Besides being one of the most powerful DAWs ever created, Cubase is also one of the oldest software packages for music creation. Cubase grants you access to comping features so that you can combine several takes into a single recording effortlessly.
Its mix console that resembles analog consoles can be controlled from the keyboard which gives you more precision during an audio recording session. In addition, you can organize your workspaces in order to increase your efficiency and have quick access to the settings you need.
Cubase is equipped with a variety of tools that simplify the process of composing a tune, as it gives you access to a chord track, chord pads, and a score editor that shows you the notation of the song you’re working on. 
ProTools
This DAW lets you create recordings on 768 audio and 1,024 MIDI tracks in stunning 24-bit and 192kHZ audio quality. In addition, ProTools enables you to layer sounds, nudge notes, or transpose entire sections of your songs.
This DOW has more than 5GB of built-in sounds which enables you to find the beats or piano tones that fits perfectly into your project. ProTools’ editing features are impressive since you can fix pitch and timing, comp several takes together or change the tempo of the entire session.
The software lets you isolate instruments, automate pans or plug-in settings and freeze tracks to optimize the playback. What’s more, if you purchase ProTools you’ll have access to more than a hundred plug-ins and you’ll get the UVI Falcon 2 virtual instrument.
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The Verdict: Does Ableton have more to offer than Reaper?
Ableton and Reaper are undoubtedly some of the best DAWs for aspiring and professional musicians that will make any home studio better. The choice between these two DAWs comes down to the genre of music you want to create, since Reaper is better suited for live music recording, while Ableton is better adjusted to the needs of electronic music producers.
Ableton’s improved comping and track layering options make it an appealing option for a wide range of musicians, but the software is still the best option for contemporary electronic musicians.
Reaper is also much less expensive than Ableton, so if you are looking for an inexpensive DAW that doesn’t require a lot of processing power to run smoothly, Reaper is the right choice for you.
Ableton is a great choice for all music producers that want to have access to a large sound collection or apply automation directly to clips. Read on to learn how Reaper compares to Audacity.
New and improved Ableton Live - Ableton's fast, fluid software for composition and performance. With over 5,000 sounds, 70+GB of loops and samples, 57 audio and MIDI effects - there's next to nothing you can't do in Live 10 Suite.
FAQs About Reaper and Ableton
There are no built-in virtual instruments in Reaper, but there are lots of free plug-ins for this DAW that enable you to use different types of virtual instruments.
Video files that are imported into Reaper are displayed as the waveform of the video’s audio. You can import any video file format into Reaper since the software is using the VLC playback engine.
Ableton offers only a 90-day free trial, and you must purchase one of the available software packages after the trial period expires.
Select the Preferences option from the File menu and then head over to the File and Folder tab. Choose if you want to use AU or VST plug-ins and proceed to click on the Rescan button.
Conclusion
The choice between Ableton and Reaper is certainly not an easy one, since both DAWs have a lot to offer to musicians who like to work with virtual and live instruments.
Reaper is a more affordable option that doesn’t require you to have lots of storage space or processing power and it enables all of its users to create professional audio recordings. Ableton features a great selection of virtual instruments, loops, and sounds, which gives you versatility during the process of making a new track.
We hope that this article has helped you solve the Reaper VS Ableton dilemma. Which of these DAWs are you going to choose? Leave a comment and let us know or keep reading to find out more about ProTools and LogicPro DAWs.
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ReaperUser
Tuesday 21st of December 2021
Reaper does contain some instruments. Compared to Ableton they may be neglectable but still this does not mean that Ableton is better at this. Any serious producure will use 3rd party instruments. Nobody creates music solely from built-in intstruments of the DAW. In order to compare Reaper to Ableton featurewise, one needs to buy at least Ableton Standard. The price difference is very big. It would only make sense to buy Ableton if you really need those instruments and sound files and like the workflow more then Reapers workflow. Otherwise Reaper is the clear winner.
Sebastian Finke
Saturday 12th of June 2021
Has the reviewer ever used these before? Used as in gone beyond a quick beginner course? Because some of the Ableton comments were way off. I can't say much much about Reaper but I've been using Ableton for years and there are several points listed here were are just not true.
Beebou2
Tuesday 27th of April 2021
I'm not sure you have any idea what mixing or mastering are. Mastering has absolutely nothing to do with virtual instruments or loop libraries. You must be thinking of production. Mastering involves putting the final touches on a song after mixing to make it sound extra crisp and consistent with other songs from an album or on a streaming platform in general. You really shouldn't be writing DAW comparisons if you don't know any of the terminology.
Jon Riley
Sunday 4th of April 2021
Your other comparison between Reaper and Audacity has persuaded me (long-time Audacity user) to check out Reaper, but I have recently acquired Ableton Live Lite for free. I've not tried using it yet, but it will obviously have more limitations than the paid versions. You don't mention this version above, so do you have any knowledge or opinion on how it compares with Reaper? BTW, I also have Pro Tools Lite, but its limitations seem to rule it out for my own practical use. (I'm guessing it's a teaser to get you used to the interface and persuade you to move to one of the paid-for versions.)